Marlene Marder, founding member of the influential Swiss post-punk band Kleenex has passed away at the age of 61. She reportedly died on Sunday (May 15), though the cause of death is not yet known.
Marder started the all-female band in Zurich in 1978, along with Klaudia Schiff. The pair remained the only constants in the group's lineup until they disbanded in 1983. Originally called Kleenex, the band changed their name to Liliput in 1979 after the facial tissue brand threatened legal action.
After a series of singles under both band names, Liliput released their self-titled debut full-length in 1982, followed by Some Songs in 1983 after the band had split up.
Despite the relatively small catalogue, Marder and her band proved to have a lasting influence on future generations of musicians. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain cited the group on a list of his 50 favourite albums that appeared in the posthumous collection Journals, simply including "anything by Kleenex," while other musicians have been taking to social media today (May 18) to voice their appreciation for Marner's work.
Iconic indie label Kill Rock Stars released a compilation of Kleenex/Liliput's work in 2010, titled Live Recordings, TV-Clips and Roadmovie. The label has since shared their condolences on social media, as well.
Relive "Road Movie" from that set in the player below.
Marder started the all-female band in Zurich in 1978, along with Klaudia Schiff. The pair remained the only constants in the group's lineup until they disbanded in 1983. Originally called Kleenex, the band changed their name to Liliput in 1979 after the facial tissue brand threatened legal action.
After a series of singles under both band names, Liliput released their self-titled debut full-length in 1982, followed by Some Songs in 1983 after the band had split up.
Despite the relatively small catalogue, Marder and her band proved to have a lasting influence on future generations of musicians. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain cited the group on a list of his 50 favourite albums that appeared in the posthumous collection Journals, simply including "anything by Kleenex," while other musicians have been taking to social media today (May 18) to voice their appreciation for Marner's work.
RiP Marlene Marder. My Kleenex/LiliPUT 7"s are some of my most prized music possessions. She influenced me greatly. https://t.co/y6t805v90Q
— Carrie Brownstein (@Carrie_Rachel) May 18, 2016
RIP Marlene Marder. Bands like Kleenex/LiLiPUT prompted me to start my own. Blasting this + dancing with myself -- https://t.co/3JudUHcu5H
— KRISTIN KONTROL (@kristinkontrol) May 18, 2016
I love Kleenex (later Liliput) the Swiss post-punk band. Their guitarist Marlene died on Sunday. I'm sad about this. https://t.co/5o0XXh0bv8
— Rhodri Marsden (@rhodri) May 18, 2016
Iconic indie label Kill Rock Stars released a compilation of Kleenex/Liliput's work in 2010, titled Live Recordings, TV-Clips and Roadmovie. The label has since shared their condolences on social media, as well.
@killrockstars and i still can't believe we got to release the kleenex/liliput discography. https://t.co/ILTVSqrXT1
— Kill Rock Stars (@killrockstars) May 18, 2016
Relive "Road Movie" from that set in the player below.
